Grange des Pères: Languedoc's Star

Nick Jackson, MW | July 24, 2025

The Languedoc, in France's Mediterranean south, hardly rolls off the tongue as a classic fine wine region. True today, and true way back in 1989, when Laurent Vaillé established his now celebrated Grange des Pères estate. Inspired by his time working at Chave (Northern Rhône) and Trevallon (Provence), Vaillé believed his plot of rocky, south-facing slopes near Aniane was capable of greatness. His bet has paid off magnificently.

Vaillé planted Syrah and Mourvèdre, with a little Cabernet Sauvignon and Counoise to round out the red blend. The result is wines of rugged concentration and sunny warmth, but with a polish and sophistication that can be unexpected from this region. It's a strange recipe, sui generis, but extremely successful: these are among France's most distinctive reds. Earlier this year, the 2014 was in a great place to drink: soft, peppery and accessible. The 2013 will behave similarly, while the 2018 offers more youthful fruitiness.